As winter settles in, what better time to revisit some of the most celebrated books of the year? The 2025 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in March delivered a powerful shortlist, blending poetic insight, rigorous non-fiction, and fiction that lingers long after the final page.
Getty continues its online-accessible series of exhibits and art exploration. Explore the range of online events, podcasts, and articles.
Getty continues its online-accessible series of exhibits and art exploration. Explore the range of online events, podcasts, and articles.
“According to an enormous body of research, social connection is as essential for our long-term health as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, while loneliness can be a slow-acting poison that severely reduces our lifespan,” writes the science writer David Robson in his book The Laws of Connection. In this rigorous and clearly written blend of research and practical tips, Robson makes the case that social contact is not just a nice-to-have in life, it is essential for our survival.
Over the past five days, the annual Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts took place at Worthy Farm, near Somerset, England. More than 200,000 music fans gathered to hear performances by Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Cyndi Lauper, Idles, Janelle Monáe, and many more artists. The festival wrapped up Monday, and on Tuesday workers and volunteer cleanup crews were tidying the trampled farm grounds.
The message from Jordan R Peterson that attracted sometimes hysterical attention was relatively straightforward. Life is tough, so stand up straight. Stop moaning. Tidy your bedroom. Ditch the victimhood and the identity politics, and, if you are male (as 80 per cent of his YouTube viewers are), man up. Get a job. Get a wife. Have children and bring them up properly. This is what worked for previous societies and it will probably work for you. We review his much vaunted sequel to 12 Rules For Life — Beyond Order.
Overwhelmed by the number of TV shows on Netflix? Finding you spend more time scrolling than you do watching these days? Looking for new TV series that break out of the echo-chamber of algorithmic recommendations? Our list of the 50 best TV shows to watch on Netflix right now may be just what you’ve been looking for.
Through the words of Tacitus, Seneca, Martial, and a host of others, including ordinary Romans, Guy de la Bedoyere takes the reader into a world of violent politics, civil disorder, unspeakably brutal entertainments, extravagance, decadence, eroticism, exotica, and staggering inequality, participated in daily by the Roman people from the hyper-rich elite to the lowliest slaves. Populus places those who experienced Rome in person at the forefront of their story, from the rabble-rousing senator Clodius Pulcher to Pliny the Elder and Hortensia who defended the rights of women in court to the ex-slave and celebrity baker Eurysaces.
It’s Easter time. The sun is occasionally breaking through the clouds, chocolate eggs are on special at Countdown, and we’re looking forward to our after Easter break. Ahhrrr how I love the quaint tradition of Dominion Day! What better time to catch up on some reading? Here are some short-ish, new-ish paperbacks our secret readers group has enjoyed over the past couple of years — just the right length for a glass of SB. Oh alright then, it’s only 2.00pm — a cuppa tea and a sunny couch.
We call them cyclones here in New Zealand, and that’s exactly what we got this year. Not one, but two, called Hale and Gabrielle. While we all watched the impact on TV, it’s not until you see it with your own eyes just how devastating the cyclones were. Communities had to live with the devastation of the cyclones while cleaning up and rebuilding, which must have taken its toll. Like many, DJ Dave and Coll rose from the ashes.
The spy agency has issued a challenge for you to put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with the launch of its annual Christmas challenge. And here it is for you, dear reader. It’s a wet day at the bach or crib. Grab a pot of tea and a slab of G’Ma’s fruit cake. The challenge with a Christmas card, fronted by a rare image of a snow-covered Bletchley Park, is designed for a mix of minds to solve. Whether you are an analyst, an engineer or a creative, there is a puzzle for everyone.
Overwhelmed by the number of TV shows on Netflix? Finding you spend more time scrolling than you do watching these days? Looking for new TV series that break out of the echo-chamber of algorithmic recommendations? Our list of the 50 best TV shows to watch on Netflix right now may be just what you’ve been looking for.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve found there are two main character types. When presented with a box of chocolates do you just dive in or must you head to the entire choc box menu and give thoughtful consideration to your options. Ellen Langer has been teaching her decision-making course for more than 40 years. “Almost all the decisions we make are on the trivial side and we can change our minds down the road,” says Ellen Langer.
